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African Jewelry
The vast continent of Africa has produced jewelry of great
beauty and variety since prehistoric times. In addition to the
work of the ancient Egyptians already discussed, northern Africa
is noted for the silverwork, plain and enameled, of the Tuareg
and other desert peoples. South of the Sahara, craftspeople in
the great medieval kingdoms of Africa made rings, earrings,
bracelets, and other ornaments out of gold (Ghana), amber (Songhai),
ivory and brass (Benin), and bronze (Yoruba). Beads of shell and
of glass have long been important elements of personal adornment
all over Africa. Jewelry has also been used as a vehicle for
religious symbols, as in the crosses of Ethiopia and the amulets
of northwest Africa, and to indicate social or economic status.
Today's African jewelry echoes many traditional themes, often
with modern materials.
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